CENTCOM chief says Iran's hold on strait has weakened, but threats remain

Washington — The head of U.S. forces in the Middle East told senators that the bombing campaign against Iran, named Operation Epic Fury, achieved all of its objectives to "significantly degrade" the country's military capabilities, even as Tehran continues to claim control of the Strait of Hormuz . Admiral Brad Cooper of U.S. Central Command told the Senate Armed Services Committee that U.S. forces have destroyed more than 90% of Iran's inventory of 8,000 naval mines to prevent their deployment in the strait. But he acknowledged Iran still maintains some capabilities to threaten ships. "The Iranian ability to stop commerce has been dramatically degraded through the straits, but their voice is very loud, and those threats are clearly heard by the merchant industry and the insurance industry," Cooper said Thursday. In response to questions from senators of both parties, Cooper said the U.S. has options to reopen the Strait of Hormuz militarily but said that is a decision for policymakers, acknowledging that the crucial waterway is at the center of ongoing negotiations aimed at a long-term peace deal. Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, testifies at a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on May 14, 2026. Win McNamee / When asked how long the conflict is expected to continue, Cooper pointed out the ceasefire reached on April 7 remains in effect, despite the ongoing U.S. …